(Submitted by Marla in California)
In early September an orange and black butterfly appeared on my butterfly bush. At first sight I thought it was a Monarch, but after taking pictures with my phone and seeing it more closely and knew it was not a Monarch, so I went online to see if I could find a site to identify it. The closest type that came up was called a “Queen”.
![orange butterfly with black and white markings](https://www.gardenswithwings.com/wp-content/uploads/queen-male-butterfly-orange-slice.jpg)
After a few days or so, I noticed eggs on the leaves of my Clematis Passion Flower vine. As of today September 19 2014, we have 4 Chrysalis, and approximately 20 Caterpillars of all different ages. Their “Mom” does a “flyby” every day and has for the past month, and sometimes she’s accompanied by the “dad” or perhaps all 4 are “moms”.
I sent pictures to butterfliesandmoths.org and they have validated my sighting. The Butterfly is actually a Gulf Fritillary aka Passion Butterfly, hence the reason she chose my Passion Flower plant. From what I understand they only lay their eggs on that plant. And more amazing it is NOT native to my area.
![brown and white butterfly with red legs](https://www.gardenswithwings.com/wp-content/uploads/gulf-fritillary-holding-pupa.jpg)
It is so exciting to have been chosen by this butterfly to experience this incredible life cycle!
Perhaps it could be a visit from my deceased Sister. She passed on September 1, 2008. Thank you all for your heartwarming stories and for helping me to recall. Wow! That’s pretty cool!